It has been a year since we've been so we were ready to return for some great food. Our server was efficient but... the interaction on her end seemed... flat. Not much personality. Or none. But we've definitely had much worse. It was pretty quiet when we started our meal but it became pretty busy. Parents really need to be mindful that they aren't the only ones present in a bustling restaurant and remove the screaming child making it miserable for the other guests. Twenty minutes of that was too much. Uncalled for. That comes from a parent (me). But I digress. The food was probably the best we've had since coming here. The pot roast and fish were excellent as were the potatoes, creamed corn, broccoli cheese casserole and okra (tons of seasoning which was amazing). Yes. I know it is not traditional southern okra but it's still pretty darned good. Why the four stars? One: they do not bring enough food. Before the server left the table after bringing our food, we had to ask for more potatoes and pot roast. Not enough to go around and we were taking small helpings. Then one has to wait for more. That's not the way it should be. Serving portions should be measured per number of guests per table. Not guesstimates. Two: they've started charging for desserts. What used to come with the meal is now extra. Costs are high enough as it is so we sadly skipped the ooey gooey butter cake and banana pudding. The sole reason for this review is to give a heads up about the change. All in all, the meal was delicious. Will definitely return. read more

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I have been waiting a hot minute to have the chance to eat at this touted restaurant!! It was definitely worth the wait! The food is served family style (and is unlimited). Because of this, no doggie bags allowed. The food was ultra fresh - MOUTHWATERING (especially the collard greens)! Our waitress was so sweet, full of answers to all of our questions, & super attentive (our drinks never ran dry)! The restaurant is situated so that you can watch the water show out of the windows (at the Island; it occurs every 30 minutes). read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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My wife and I decided to come back to Paula Deen's Family Kitchen during our honeymoon week because we loved it so much the first time we visited about a year ago. After coming back for a second visit, I can honestly say it still lived up to the experience we remembered. One of the best parts about this restaurant is the atmosphere. We were seated with an awesome view overlooking the outside area, which made lunch even more relaxing. The scenery and open feel of the location gave the whole meal a comfortable Southern vibe that fit perfectly with the food they serve. It also was not overly busy during lunch time, so everything felt calm and enjoyable instead of rushed. The service was quick from the moment we sat down. Our waitress was very attentive and stayed on top of making sure we had everything we needed. Drinks stayed filled, food came out quickly, and she made sure we were taken care of throughout the meal. As for the food, it was exactly what we hoped it would be. The green beans were honestly one of our favorite sides. They were full of flavor and tasted homemade. The fish was another standout for us. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and cooked just right. Everything we tried had that classic comfort food feeling that Paula Deen's Family Kitchen is known for. Coming back here during our honeymoon week made the experience even more special. It was nice returning to a place we already had good memories at and seeing that the food and service were still consistently great. Overall, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen gave us another memorable experience with great food, quick service, and a beautiful atmosphere. We will definitely be back again in the future. read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Butter makes it better y'all! Paula Deen, you are so right!! Lunch is the same menu as dinner, but $5 less per person. You can choose between 2, 3 or 4 entrees and all come with 4 sides. Our family style feast started off with cheddar biscuits dripping with warm, herbed butter. SO GOOD! I should have asked for more of these but I didn't want to get full and not have room for my AYCE entrees and sides! Peach tea was very sweet! We later diluted it with water and it suited our taste better, but I know they generally like it sweet in the south! We got the four entree four sides lunch for $23.99 per person and chose: - Fried chicken: tasted like Popeye's. The white meat was dry. The dark was where it's at. - Pot roast: Super tender, but salty. Comes with rice too. - Fried catfish: Awesome! Moist, flaky fish and crisp batter. Loved the tartar sauce too. Get this! - Chicken and dumplings: I guess this is how it's supposed to taste but we both didn't think it was good. - White cheddar mashed potatoes: Creamy and delicious! They mash the red skins in there too. - Creamed corn: Good, mixed with some grits. - Broccoli casserole: Awesome! Get this one too! - Coleslaw: Very good! Creamy, but not overly-so, and the crunchy buttery crackers on top made it! Desserts are $1.99/each and you can take it to go. We got one of each: - Peach cobbler: not enough peach. A weird goopy filler. Would have been better with some crunch. - Ooey gooey cake: Too sweet. - Banana pudding: Good! - Chocolate ooey gooey cake, special of the day: Yummy! Like a thin moist brownie. We liked this one much better than the regular ooey gooey cake. Kari was our server and she was as sweet as pie! Ask for a seat by the window so you can people watch below and the fountain show! Free parking in the lot in the Islands shopping center. read more

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Very disappointed in the quality of food. Volume was enormous but really lacked flavor and over priced $74 for two people . Service was really slow too. Waited 40 minutes for fried chicken. Will not go back. read more

The food was good not as good as the last time we came. Definitely not worth the trip all the way here just to eat here. For Father's Day! I didn't expect to leave here disappointed. Our server was awful. Aleah should not be at Paula's. She didn't smile let us run all the way out of food drinks and we had to ask for bread three times read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Best bread I have ever eaten!! - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

We had a wonderful time at Paula Deans. The food was delicious, my family and I could only go one round today. Lol We ordered the Savannah where you get to to pick three meats and your choice of veggies. The food is so good. I just love the family style dining and the friendly staff. There's a gift shop located downstairs where you can find almost anything from Apple butter to nice writing ink pens oh and even Paula Deen lip balm. It's always a joy to eat at a Pula Deena, I've visited the one in Savannah and Nashville, it's only fitting I visit this one as well. I hate the one in Savannah closed last year, I'm going to miss that one. There's plenty of parking, so ya'll just come on in and eat! read more

We were surprised the food was nothing special for the cost. We went for late lunch, early dinner. The service was good.

This was a fun experience to do family style. I wish there were a few lighter options, but everything tasted good. Best things chicken and dumplings and biscuits. read more

Visited in August 2026 with my family of 4 around 8:30pm. We ordered-ribs, chicken tenders, and chicken and dumplings-broccoli casserole, Mac n cheese, yams and mashed potatoes. The food was good-but nothing that will blow your socks off. The service was VERY slow. Our waitress was nowhere to be found most of the time. I think she was busy running around to other tables. The tables around us were also annoyed complaining how long it was taking for everything. We easily finished our meal and sat waiting for 30 minutes before we could find anyone to refill our food-which took another 20 minutes to finally come out. The view from the restaurant was lovely. Is it worth it? Meh, the food was pretty good but not worth the price IMO. And getting refills for "all you can eat" just takes too absurdly long that I really don't think it ends up being worth it in the long run. Would I recommend? Probably not-I think you could find just as good southern cooking at any smaller restaurant in the area with a lesser price and better service. Just not impressed. read more

Food was all country style coming. Most everything we ate was really good and you can expect some flavor in it all. Service was ok. Not impressed sauce had to ask for stuff a few times repeatedly. Ambiance was all very nice and gift shop downstairs always fun to walk through. Was going to buy a few things from gift shop but was such a slow process I put the stuff down and just left. read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

We actually went here twice on our week long trip to Pigeon Forge. Everything about this place was outstanding. The dining room was spotless, with a great view of the island. The service was outstanding, super friendly and helpful. The food was amazing. We thought it would be okay, especially given some of the mixed reviews. One key tip if you prefer white meat let your server know. Our first trip we kept getting thighs and we finally asked if we could get some white meat and she said sure let me put it in for you. Second trip we asked for white meat from the start and that was all we got which was great. Another tip, make a reservation via their website. Final tip, the lunch and dinner menu is the same, it is just $5 cheaper for lunch. If you go to the Island and you like fried chicken you must eat here! read more

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It's almost a ritual eating at Paula Deen's when visiting in the area because we know it's going to be delicious. I love the Cheddar Biscuits served with every meal, and you can ask for more too! Little changes each time we go, like changing the fried Catfish to Cod but still delicious. They were super crispy and not greasy. We always choose the fall off the bone saucy BBQ Ribs. For our sides, Baked Mac and Cheese, very cheesy, Broccoli Casserole, tasty but a tad overcooked imo, Buttery yummy Mashed Potatoes, and her can't ever not pick Creamed Corn. There's no longer a BBQ Baked Beans option and we did miss them. Also, desserts are an additional $1.99, which we always took it home anyway, so maybe that's why it's not included any longer. Most definitely coming back! read more

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I thought this restaurant was pretty good. We ordered 3 mains (fried chicken, fried fish, and spare ribs) and 4 sides (creamed corn, green beans, buttered white rice, and broccoli). Overall I thought the food was above average with the exception to the corn... thought it was a bit too sweet. Would def recommend the cat fish and the fried chicken. The broccoli was probably my favorite side read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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We've been to one other Paula Deen restaurant before though I can't remember where. It's very comfortable, homey and great vibes. Anyway, great food and I love the whole family meal thing but... We got a 3 person family meal; fish, country fried steak and help me I can't remember the third haha Sides we got creamed corn, creamed potatoes, yams and broccoli casserole. The creamed corn was so sweet and delicious. The creamed potatoes could use some flavor and the yams were just okay for me. Also the broccoli casserole could've been warmed up a bit. The service was great and all nothing was wrong BUT here's the but from above haha the whole "no take home leftovers" yet you can take home a dessert... ya I don't agree with that at all. "Well it's because it's a "buffet"" ya mhm is it though? In a buffet you put as much as you can eat onto your plate and here the portions are chosen for you. THAT is NOT a buffet. So ya'll are wasting a LOT of food 'cause honestly that's a lot of food to practically be forced to eat or else it's all just thrown out. Ya y'all just throw all that food away. That is just wasteful and disrespectful to those who don't have food. In my religion we have a holiday to show respect to those who have no food by NOT being WASTEFUL of our food. So y'all should really change that and allow for left overs to be taken home. For that reason we will NOT be back. Do better Paula! read more

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Some of the best food in the area, and great service. Comfortable seating and temps. Lighting was perfect. Definitely recommend!

The food was okay. My chicken was pink Mash potatoes were really smooth and good. Rice was good but a bit dry. The Mac and cheese was amazing. The grandma who owns this place looks creepy. The people here were quick and nice. Wish breakfast was all day. Eat here ‍ read more

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I can't believe I'm having to update my review after all of the years we've been coming here. Paula Deen's used to be a staple for us every time we came to PF, but it's went down hill slowly over the past year or so. We were completely shocked that prices went up, dessert isn't included anymore, dishes have changed (for the worse), and the quality of the food is literally trash. Our food was over salted, the corn was burned, the mashed potatoes now have cheddar in them and smell like cow manure... the best part was the tea. At least they didn't mess THAT up. This was the worst meal we've had in a long time. With that being said, the last visit we had to Paula Deen's wasn't great but we thought it might be a one off. We started seeing negative reviews on fb but wanted to give it another shot... Worst $60 we've ever spent eating. We won't be back, and that sucks. Bc it used to be SO GOOD. read more

We've been here a few times and the food is always good, but this mornings breakfast was lackluster when it came to Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles. The menu said smothered in sauce and we got chicken tenders and thin crepe like waffles. Nashville hot, where we are from, is a hot honey sauce. There was no sauce, no glaze, no spicy batter. Just chicken tenders. They were good chicken tenders, but we were sorely disappointed that the chicken was just chicken. The bacon was spicier than the plain chicken tenders. The server, as good as he was, said that's how it is supposed to be, but alas, we just dealt with it. It wasn't worth causing a fuss. The rest of the food was good. I'm a big fan of the cinnamon roll before breakfast. That was changed to buttery biscuits. Good, but could use a good ole gravy with it. That's the southern way. I'll probably stick to lunch given today's experience, but I'll also try it again to give breakfast a redeeming try. Maybe the hot honey will actually have the glaze? read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Plain chicken tenders instead of hot honey. - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

So we are here with a group and decided to try it out. Wasn't sure if she was still cancelled but we went. The customer service was great from downstairs until we left. Our glasses were never emptied she made sure the refills were always on time. Our server was Stephanie. We did the Albany for two people for $25 a person. It was two entrees and four sides and unlimited. So the price and value was good. The food was good. The pork chop was a little too salty for my fiance bit the fried chicken and okra that I got was great. The Mac and cheese wasn't that great. I was looking for southern Mac and cheese this was more of Kraft Mac and cheese. The greens was also salty but the butter rice was good. read more

Nice place! This place is extremely busy. It's located in the island in Pigeon Forge, which is a great shopping area with lots of fun filled activities. The food is pretty good for a high volume restaurant. Overall good experience that is worth a return visit. read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - The Island Pigeon Forge - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Family style southern cooking. Well suited for families with kids. Most of the food is fried and full of sugar. Especially the drinks. It felt like they made it up in huge batches. Nothing was made to order. It filled a space. Now we can say we have been to Paul's Deans . We did order the pot roast and the meatloaf choosing entrées that were not fried. No choice for salad dressings only the sweet poppy dressing. Like I said, it filled a space in our hungry bellies and we have had the experience. One and done! read more

This was a wonderful experience. The food was so yummy especially the corn dish. The food was constantly coming out so when you finished a plate they would bring more. The cheddar biscuit was also amazing. The service was lovely and really enjoyed the location of the restaurant as it was near other Things. read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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This restaurant was surprisingly DELICIOUS! We thought it was going to be some tourist trap that was overly priced for sub-par food. It wasn't. It was so good - I've told other people they need to check it out. First, our waitress was so friendly and nice. She walked us through how the menu and service worked. It was all you can eat with your choices of family-style food. It was so, so good. We had friend chicken, Mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, chicken and dumplings, and the salad. All of it was good, but I was surprised how much I liked the broccoli casserole and salad. I want to go back just writing this. It was a really fun, lively restaurant with a great view with the large window. Don't hesitate coming here thinking you're being sucked into a tourist trap - it's delicious and a good value! read more

For some good old fashion southern cooking you can't beat Paula Deens family Kitchen! Everything is served family style and it just keeps coming. I'm thinking there is a rule 'no one leaves hungry' read more

I liked my experience here the food was great the chicken tenders where critpy and perfect. The mac n cheese was probably the best out if all creamy and cheesy, the service was great our server made sure we always had a good experiance. One thing the playes came out fast like they where ready when we ordered. Liked this family styled place, lots of love from california! read more

The food was awesome, busy but they handled it perfectly. I like the modern vibe to it, the view is very noice.

Walking into Paula Deen's Family Kitchen at The Island in TN is like visiting a much larger (IMO much nicer), less crowded Cracker Barrel (no offense, CB fans! I love them too!) The first floor is the Paula Deen's Store, where you can find a variety of different home goods, special jarred, bottled and canned goods, as well as clothing. Take the escalator/elevator to the second floor for restaurant seating. Menu is family style; you can choose 3, 4 and 5 main entrees with a couple sides. I highly recommend the Fried Chicken, Candied Yams and Broccoli Casserole. For dessert, you can't go wrong with any option but the Banana Pudding was my favorite. Service was amazing. We had a reservation and were seated promptly upon arrival. Deandra was on top of her game with various check ins, drink refills, and making sure our food was out quickly. Five stars for stellar service and a top-notch family dinning experience. read more

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We've eaten at the Paula Deen's in Savannah and Branso and this one did not disappoint. We let our Son and his family choose the dishes and sides since this was their first time there. The pork chops are the best and everything else was great. Don't understand the negative reviews unless it's just some folks who don't appreciate southern cooking. read more

Food was good: fried chicken, short ribs. Chicken tenders were a little spicy for my kids tastes. Mac and cheese, green beans and mashed potatoes were just okay. Overall, a little pricey for the food being what it is. read more

Not worth the price or the hype.We left very disappointed with our experience. For a Paula Deen restaurant, the food is completely overrated and overpriced for what you are served. They also need to implement an actual kids' menu. The service fell short of expectations; we waited over five minutes just for drinks, and the server acted like it was a chore to bring them to the table. This was our first time eating here, and it will certainly be our last. read more

Cute and convenient location! Nice gift shop with all the cute things that you see Paul and the Deen brothers use. Quick wait time and family style dining. The food is down home country. Please get the ooey gooey pancakes, they are soooo delicious! No syrup is needed. The biscuits will have you licking your lips. Sena, our waitress, was so friendly and accommodating to our needs. She even brought our daughter her separate bowl of fruit because of her allergies. We had Georgia peach sweet tea with cut up peaches in it and our daughter had blueberry lemonade. The location is great because it's where shopping and family activities are located. You can spend hours in that area. read more

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We were visiting from California and wanted a buffet and my mom likes Paula Dean so this was perfect! We ordered 3 entree 's and 4 sides and got 3 desserts to go. Everything was tasty and for a tourist trap kinda area reasonably priced . Wish we had buffets like this in San Diego! read more

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I ordered the chicken fried steak and thought they brought the wrong dish -- it was a round fried disk cut in half with a bit of salty instant gravy at the bottom of the bowl. The mac and cheese was completely flavorless, and everything tasted like under-seasoned cafeteria food. I asked if there was anything they could bring my husband (who can't eat cheese), and the only bread option -- the biscuits -- had cheese baked in. The server just shrugged and offered nothing else. Even a simple muffin or slice of bread would've been a nice gesture. Overall, bland food, no effort, and not worth the money. read more

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I can't fully complain about the food bc of the price point. Granted I'm used to California prices but 23 bucks per person for unlimited refills of the same 4 entrees and 4 sides that you choose, plus a dessert just can't be beat. We got the fried chicken, the beef roast, the spare ribs, and the catfish. The fish wasn't anything special (but cooked well). The friend chicken didn't have seasoning but was cooked perfectly, which ended up being fine to me bc I add hot sauce to fried chicken anyway. The spare ribs were surprisingly tasty as was the pot roast (too salty but great flavor). The sides were got were the Mac and cheese, fried okra, collard greens, and the mashed potatoes. The best side dish were the collards, by far. Super good! I also enjoyed the fried okra; not greasy at all. The overall ambiance is like Cracker Barrel, ha! She sells things on the first floor and the restaurant is on the second floor. It's nicely accessible as there aren't stairs but an escalator and an elevator so everyone can make it to the restaurant. There are ramps too. Our server, Dillion, was nice and attentive. Brought me out a new coke "just in case" and I appreciated his readiness. Would I go back? Probably and only get the things I know I like. Great value for families! read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Our meal - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Visited Paula Dean's on the island and it was delicious- we had chicken, the fish, chicken and dumplings, poppyseed salad, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole and yams! I ONLY wish the chicken could have been as fresh as the first round, but this is a pretty large fast paced restaurant so I get it! Service was second to none and it gave family friendly all over read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Chicken, Chicken & Dumplings, garden Poppyseed Tossed salad, Spare Ribs,Fresh Candied Yams, Broccoli Casserole, and Baked Mac and Cheese - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

All of the food was good. We have no complaints about the food. We wondered why the waiter talked us into two main dishes and four sides when we went to go and take it out to go. He said it's all you can eat and there's no taking food out so that's my only complaint with this restaurant is that you order this food not realizing it's all you can eat per person and that there's no taking anything home. read more

Everything is served family style! So make sure you go with people you like . The service was amazing, even with them being busy. The food was chefs kiss. We didn't have anything we didn't like. You can't take any food to go, other than the dessert that's included with the meal. read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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We came here while on vacation and had lunch. It was a Thursday and the wait was like 15 minutes which wasn't bad. We waited a while to get refills on food which was a little disappointing. The food was great though! The biscuits are just *chefs kiss*. We did fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, pork chops and roast. They were are really good! I cook really similar to this so it was really nice to have something cooked how I like it and not be the one cooking and cleaning lol. A few things I found a little salty but still good! We got the Mac and cheese (I was skeptical bc that's one of my specialties but it was pretty good for a restaurant), creamed corn (nobody really liked it), candied yams which were really good and broccoli casserole which was so so(I like mine better lol). The roast was good, fried chicken was really good (crispy and well seasoned), chicken and dumplings (our unexpected fav) and the pork chops (close second fav). The oeey gooey cake is always amazing (I make this too and I think hers is better). All in all, if you're in the area def go but go with a big appetite! read more

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Food was alright. It was acceptable but I won't be in a hurry to come back. Fried chicken we decided Shoneys across the street was better, meatloaf we did not enjoy too much ketchup topping, creamed corn and salad were tasty, mashed potatoes were pretty liquidy, green beans were ok. Our server did not give us cocktail napkins so our water glasses sweat all over the table, plastic plates for us to eat on was also a surprise. read more